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The Tribune

Volume:115 No.85, MARCH 23RD, 2018

Established 1903

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Weekend

Friday, March 23, 2018

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‘ONE WOMAN’S CRY’ Page 11

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Forensic audit on health contracts

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

A FORENSIC audit will be conducted on contracts issued by the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) under the former Christie administration, with concerns agreements worth millions of dollars were issued “illegally” and “abnormally”.

According to well-placed sources, what is most troubling for officials is the manner in which Family Island mini hospital and clinic contracts were awarded by the previous government.

Accounting firms were yesterday invited to submit proposals, via advertisements in the local dailies to carry out the audit, which

could take months to complete.

Insisting in an interview this audit is not a “witch hunt”, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said the contracts for numerous facilities in the out islands are proverbially a “shot to the head” of the PHA and public health in the country because of the funding needed to satisfy what is now owed to contractors.

Under the former government, PHA contracts worth $53,288,112.27 were issued to various companies for construction related work, public health related upgrades and equipment. Of this alarming figure, money

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These puppy classes get even harder

and RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net RESIDENTS of Grand Bahama took centre stage during a key town hall meeting for the Oban Energies refinery last night, with some expressing concern about the environmental impact of the $5.5 billion project and bitterness that consultation was not engaged with them before the Heads of Agreement was signed.

The reaction was not entirely negative, however,

SEE PAGE SIX

The IMF yesterday gave the Government a much-needed boost by declaring the economy has “turned the corner”, despite warning over continued fiscal and current account imbalances.

Acknowledging that “significant challenges remain” to be tackled, the Fund’s latest assessment called for a Budget “adjustment” equivalent to 2.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) - some $235 million - to slash the fiscal deficit to “desirable levels”.

The Washington D. C. based institution, unveiling the recommendations stemming from its two-week visit to the Bahamas in early March, also urged the Government to set a “permanent deficit ceiling” equal to 1 per cent of GDP as part of its Fiscal Responsibility legislation.

LAWYERS FILE WRIT TO FREE LIMBO INMATE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE FIVE

as some cheered the project and the jobs it is predicted to bring.

The packed event was the first time the residents publicly weighed in on a project that has dominated headlines in the last month, raised questions about the government’s due diligence efforts and prompted Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis this week to admit mistakes were made and that a comprehensive review is on the way.

Oban Energies President Satpal Dhunna represented the company at the event, revealing he is a shareholder in the company.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SEE TRIBUNE BUSINESS

DHUNNA DEFENDS OBAN TO SPLIT GB AUDIENCE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

IMF – YOUR ECONOMY HAS TURNED THE CORNER

A DOG rises to the challenge with his handler yesterday on Prince Charles Drive as Immigration Officers and Prison Officers held a joint commando K-9 training exercise on the grounds at Believers Gospel Church. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

QUESTIONS OVER SHANTY TOWN CENSUS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s decision to conduct a census starting with shanty towns in New Providence tomorrow has come as a surprise to Haitian community leaders who stressed the success of these efforts is predicated heavily on their involvement.

Activist Louby Georges was adamant the exercise could “fail” rendering

THE GOVERNMENT is set to conduct a census in shanty towns in New Providence. it a waste of resources in the absence of a public education campaign to

sensitise shanty town dwellers of what they could expect when officials descend upon the community. Without this, he said residents will “run and hide” at the sight of officials.

Meanwhile, Dr Jean Paul Charles, president of the Haitian League of Pastors said while he had no knowledge of plans for a government census, his organisation would support it with the right approach.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THE 42-year-old schizophrenic man jailed for nearly four years without charge, will finally get his day in court next month.

Supreme Court Justice Andrew Forbes yesterday issued an order granting Alfairs Agregory Higgs leave to question the lawfulness of his detention on April 13.

Respondents of the exparte order are Patrick Wright, Superintendent of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, and Attorney General Carl Bethel.

Yesterday, Mr Higgs’ attorney Crispin Hall said: “The family is elated by the fact that there is a return date set. The day in court that he so desperately wanted, he’s getting.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

DOUBTS AND QUESTIONS OVER THE OBAN DEAL

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Friday, March 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TY’S PLACE OPENS WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY TY’S PLACE, a new bistro employing staff with special needs, had its official opening on Wednesday night with government officials among those in attendance.

The bistro, located south of Queen’s College on Village Road, was inspired by Ty Bethel, who, following his diagnosis with down syndrome as a baby, was also diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four. He lost his battle with leukaemia in 2015.

Ty’s Place, which is run by the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre, also plans to open a car wash on the premises.

OPENING Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting of Ty’s Place on Village Road.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

LEFT: MIZPAH BETHEL, Ty’s mother, giving remarks along with her husband, Timothy Bethel and son Logan Bethel. RIGHT: Minister of Education, Jeffery L Lloyd and Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Dionisio D’Aguilar, sit with other attendees before giving remarks during the ceremony.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 23, 2018, PAGE 3

STUDENTS STAGE PROTEST OVER MORTARBOARDS DECORATION BAN

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

MORE than sixty students, faculty, and alumni gathered on the University of the Bahamas’ campus yesterday to protest the institution’s decision to ban the decoration of mortarboard hats and wearing of student organization stoles at graduation ceremonies.

Of the 700 students in the graduating class, 300 signed a petition asking that this decision to be reversed.

This decision was made during a meeting of the UB Graduation Committee on March 2, held in the President’s Boardroom.

According to the meeting’s minutes, which were obtained by The Tribune, the committee voted nine to two in favour of this ban.

A student later emailed UB President Dr Rodney D Smith to inquire about the reasoning behind this decision.

In an email chain obtained by The Tribune, on March 18 Dr Smith replied: “Several years ago when Greek organizations began a College of The Bahamas, without approval, students began wearing the Greek Stoles at Commencement.”

“The administration, being under control of the Council, did not take the initiative to maintain the standards associated with this highly dignified academic ceremony.

Successive Greek organizations assumed that this was the norm. It is not.”

“As an internationally recognized University, it is the responsibility of faculty and administration to

STUDENTS of the University of The Bahamas hold their protest yesterday.

PHOTOS: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff and unfounded”. It noted universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – an accreditation association UB is seeking to join – allows their students to decorate their hats and wear stoles.

Petition

uphold the high standards associated with this dignified academic ceremony.”

Dr Smith added that the only items that can be worn at graduation are “academically relegated regalia”, such as academic cords.

A press release from students sent to the Tribune on Wednesday, referred to this logic as “weak

“Is Tuskegee not an institution of academic achievement and dignity?” read the release, adding the students’ petition was “rebuffed personally” by Dr Smith.

During yesterday’s protest, participants chanted: “This is not a colony!

“We pay school fees!” and “Who stole my stole?!”

According to one student, who wished to remain anonymous, the demonstration was initially supposed to be a silent protest in the form of a walk through the Harry C Moore Library.

However, she said the students were locked out.

The group consequently gathered outside the UB sign facing University Boulevard.

Senior Class President Nelson Strachan told The Tribune yesterday: “At (UB), we as students pride ourselves in academics, service, and community.”

“What we would actually like is to be able to represent that on our graduation day.”

Ide Thompson, class of 2021, said: “We are here for our rights and education. And part of that is being creative and having our ability to wear stoles and to decorate our caps.”

“Wearing caps and stoles is not not academic, and is not undignified. There is dignity in being creative and expressing your part of being (in) a club and an organization on campus.”

Natino Thompson, class of 2020, said: “It seems like a small issue, right? But no…Always remember this— the small issues always are indicative of bigger problems.”

“One of the things we have been learning is…at the start of every

revolution, students did that. Students were the ones. And so we are using our rights as Bahamians, as students, to counteract these unjust laws.”

Support UB alumna Tameka Lewis said: “I’m out here today in support of the students but mainly in support of my sisters in my sorority.” “(The wearing of stoles) wasn’t a problem last year, but all of a sudden it is a problem now.”

“People work hard to become members of these organizations—Greek letter organizations, academic organizations. But now they’re being minimized.”

In a statement released yesterday evening, UB reaffirmed that students will not be allowed to wear non-academic regalia at the May 2018 graduation. The university’s goal, according to its statement, is to maintain the solemnity, decorum, and respect of the ceremony.

MAN SEEKING TO APPEAL 50-YEAR MURDER SENTENCE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN sentenced to half a century in prison for murdering another man as he was dancing with his girlfriend in a sports bar in Grand Bahama four years ago is seeking to appeal his sentence.

Yvener Philome, and his attorney Christina Galanos, appeared before the appellate court for what was supposed to be the substantive appeal of his 50-year sentence for murdering Leonardo “Yellow” Pierre in 2014.

While Ms Galanos was prepared to proceed however, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vernal Collie told appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella CraneScott and Milton Evans that as he had just received the file of the matter at 5pm on Wednesday, he was unable to complete his skeleton submissions.

Mr Collie thus requested a short adjournment in the matter for him to fully complete those submissions.

Application Ms Galanos did not object to Mr Collie’s application, and the appellate judges adjourned the matter to May 10.

According to the Crown’s case, on March 30, 2014, at approximately 10:30pm, Pierre and his girlfriend Gina Lubin were dancing inside Sony’s Sports Bar, also known as the Boom Boom Room in the Gardens Villas area, otherwise known as “The Ghetto” in Freeport when a gunman shot Pierre in the back of his head.

After Pierre fell face down on the ground, the gunman stood over him and fired several more shots into his body.

Ms Lubin testified that while dancing with her boyfriend, she heard one gunshot and asked him if he heard the same. When he did not answer her, she turned around to face him, at which point he fell face down on the ground.

She said she subsequently stood two feet away from the gunman as he stood over Pierre and fired shots into his body. She also said that when the shooter was done, she took out her cell phone to call the police, but when she realized the shooter was looking at her, she put her cell phone back in her pocket.

The gunman then left. He did not have anything covering his face.

On April 4, 2014, Ms Lubin attended an identification parade where she picked out Philome as the shooter.

Philome was then informed that he was positively identified as the gunman and he said nothing in response.

Edgar Mark Ferguson, who was also in the sport’s

bar when the shooting occurred, also testified that on the night in question, after he heard one gunshot, he looked around the bar and saw Philome standing over Pierre with a gun in his hand and that he subsequently heard other shots ring out.

He said on the following morning, sometime between 5 and 5:30, he saw Philome in the bush in the back of his residence while he was headed to work.

Mr Ferguson stated that at about 7am that morning he received a phone call from Philome, who asked him where he was. Mr Ferguson said he told Philome he was to work, but that he didn’t want him to call him anymore and subsequently hung up the phone. Between thirty minutes to an hour later Mr Ferguson said police came to his place of employment and took him into custody.

He said he was questioned in reference to the incident and that he told the police that Philome was the shooter and that he had last seen Philome in the bush in the back of his residence.

Mr Ferguson then took the officers to the bush where he claimed he last saw Philome and upon searching the area, officers discovered a black and gray 40 Ruger pistol and a magazine next to it. The Crown was able to establish through the evidence of two firearm examiners that it was the same weapon that was used in the shooting.

On March 31, 2014 at about 7am, officers arrested Philome after he came out of the same set of bushes where Mr Ferguson claimed he saw him in. It was also established that Philome also lived in the vicinity of the same bush.

On April 4, 2014, at about 6pm, police conducted a confrontation between Philome and Mr Ferguson and both maintained that the other shot Pierre.

Another individual, Avery Lightbourne, also testified that on the night in question, he gave Philome a ride in a 2002 White Ford Ranger and that when they arrived in “The Ghetto” at Johnny’s Shop, he watched as Philome jumped out of the truck before he in turn jumped out and left his keys in the truck.

He then went inside and fell asleep. However, he was later awoken by someone who gave him certain information and when he checked, he noticed that the truck was

missing. He walked straight to the police station to report the truck stolen, as he did not give anyone permission to use the truck.

However, that same truck was found in the vicinity of the bush where Philome was arrested.

However, Philome, in his sworn testimony, told the court that on March 31, 2014, he and Mr Lightbourne were together for the entire evening and that they eventually ended up by AJ’s Shop in Garden Villas where they met up with someone by the name of Pilly. From there, they ended up going to Sony’s Sports Bar. Philome said once there, they met up with Mr Ferguson, who called him in the bathroom and told him that a guy who was in the bar who violated him had to go.

Philome said he then told Mr Ferguson that everyone saw them walk into the bathroom and that if something happened to the person who violated him, everyone would say they were involved.

Gun Nonetheless, Philome said he and Mr Ferguson returned to the dance floor and Pilly walked up to him and asked him if he wanted something to drink. Philome replied that he wasn’t interested in a drink and Pilly consequently went back to the DJ booth.

Philome said he subsequently turned around and saw when Mr Ferguson pulled out a gun and shot Pierre.

Philome said he subsequently ran out of the building straight to the 2002 White Ford Ranger truck and drove home. He acknowledged that the truck belonged to Mr Lightbourne, but claimed Mr Lightbourne gave him permission to drive the truck.

Philome said once he got home, he parked the truck in the back of a building and walked through a track road, which commenced in the back of the building and led to his home, before going inside of his home.

He said when he woke up the following morning to use the restroom, someone was utilizing it so he went outside in the bush to relieve himself. He said after he did that, police officers came into the bush, arrested him and told him he was being arrested in reference to murder.

Philome told the Court that he did not have a gun on him on the night in question, that he did not hide in the bushes next to Kirby Court. He further claimed that he and Pierre were good friends, that they went to primary school straight up to high school together and that they used to sleep in each other’s houses. He also stated that the last time he had an issue with Pierre was in 2010 while gambling

together; however, he said they had since squashed the issue. He further maintained that at the time of Pierre’s death, there were no problems between them and they still visited each other.

On the evening of April 4, 2014, Philome was charged with Pierre’s murder. He made no reply to the charge.

Philome was arraigned in the Supreme Court on one count of murder on June 22,

2015. He plead not guilty to the charge.

The Crown called seventeen witnesses in support of its case against Philome, who, following the close of the Crown’s case, gave sworn evidence but did not call any witnesses.

Philome was convicted of murder on June 30th, 2015.

He was sentenced to 50 years for the crime on October 15, 2015.

PAGE 4, Friday, March 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Russia’s likely involvement in poisoning in Britain IT would not be surprising if British Prime Minister Theresa May is now reflecting on the well-worn dictum of her predecessor Harold Wilson in the mid-1960s that a week is a long time in politics. None can deny that a lot can happen in a short space of time in the political world, but even the most prescient of observers could not have predicted the poisoning atrocity earlier this month on British soil and the boost to her reputation as a result of her effective handling of this sudden major incident.

Having been preoccupied for so long with the United Kingdom’s forthcoming departure from the European Union and continuing to endure constant criticism from both sides of the Brexit debate, Mrs May was faced unexpectedly with a crisis in the city of Salisbury in the south of England involving the poisoning and attempted murder of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter Yulia, for which Russia has been blamed.

This incident required deft handling and her performance has shown her in a new light. She has been praised on all sides as a strong leader, even being described by some as Churchillian, displaying a cool, calm and steely resolve in standing up to the Russian bear.

The detailed circumstances of this attack remain largely unknown since it has left the two Russians hospitalized in a critical condition and unable to communicate. But it has been determined by British security authorities that a nerve agent called Novichok, which has been developed by Russia, was used. This has led the UK government to conclude it is highly likely Russia was responsible, either as an officially sanctioned act or because the state had lost control of this military grade material.

Since the Russian government has declined to respond to Britain’s request for an explanation, that remains the position. Meanwhile, samples from the scene in Salisbury are being examined by experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Reportedly, the attempted murder of the Skripals is the first use of chemical weapons on European soil since 1945 and it is claimed this has potentially endangered the lives of hundreds (or more) of British people. Such an outrage has been variously described as a wilful and reckless act hostile to Britain as a nation and unreservedly unacceptable. Given the protection of the lives of its citizens is the first duty of the state, a strong reaction and tough stance led by Mrs May was inevitable.

She described the action as a crime and brazen flouting of international law and the Chemical Weapons Convention and pledged a threat of this sort against British lives on their own territory would never be tolerated.

Against a background of increasingly hostile and inflammatory rhetoric

– both Britain’s accusations of Russian responsibility and the latter’s denials and counter-claims of disinformation there has been a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats.

But so far there seems to be little prospect of new economic sanctions while some EU countries remain dependent on Russian gas imports.

However, Britain has secured support from France, Germany and the USA who have explicitly agreed that Russian involvement is the only plausible explanation of the attack, though Mr Trump’s message of congratulation to Mr Putin on his election victory failed to mention the Salisbury incident.

Mrs May is seeking further support from EU countries at this week’s Brussels summit meeting as she stresses Russia’s action also represents a threat to democracies across the continent.

It appears Britain is considering other retaliatory measures like tightening up on visas and cracking down on so-called dirty money being laundered through London within the vast wealth crooked oligarchs have siphoned out of Russia into property and shares in the UK. The question now is whether the Salisbury attack is part of an ongoing campaign by Mr Putin of state-sponsored assassinations to silence Russian defectors, emigres or dissidents whom he regards as traitors or enemies and to warn all Russians that challenging his regime is potentially life-threatening.

The Russian track record in relation to this is chilling, with a number of assassinations in recent years including that of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko who died from radioactive poisoning in London in 2006.

While Mr Putin has just been reelected for another six-year term, Kremlinologists are speculating about an inner circle around him who are intent on exercising greater power on the global stage, and Russia’s recent expansionism and aggression – Crimea, Ukraine, cyber warfare and interference in US elections, threats to the Baltic states – do not augur well for world peace.

As the diplomatic stand-off escalates, Mrs May’s reputation has been enhanced. She has re-emphasised once again the West’s values as the foundation stones of human freedom – the rule of law, free speech, toleration of dissenting and minority views, a free press, fair and democratic elections and a thriving civil society.

We should never forget these values apply as strongly in small countries like The Bahamas.

While we may be insulated from most of the horrors happening elsewhere in the world, we need constantly to be on our guard to protect ourselves at home against overweening political leaders or others who may be tempted to disregard the liberal and democratic principles that define us as a nation.

COMMENTS AND QUERIES OF MY GUESTS

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Recently I had house guests from northern Canada for 9 days.

Outgoing, well-travelled scuba divers, great photographers, with a spirit of adventure.

They loved the friendliness of the people and the beauty of the sea and the scenery.

They explored New Providence from Yamacraw to Jaws Beach and attempted Clifton Heritage Park.

They enjoyed themselves and said they would come back.

Here are a few of the comments and queries they left, in no particular order.

1. For an island which depends heavily on tourism, the garbage dumping and littering needs to seriously improve.

Educating the public about littering must be a priority.

2. There are areas of downtown with abandoned and derelict buildings.

(Of special note is the building which has the second floor wall missing, exhibiting a toilet to Bay Street - like a doll house on display, but not quite).

The derelict buildings are an eyesore.

3. The infrastructure roads and signage needs to improve. (eg: Between Culberts Hill and Marathon, off Prince Charles Drive, there are approximately 15 side roads with no visible signage.)

5. Would it be possible to raise the manhole covers to the surface level of the road? This would be helpful. Likewise a few speed limit signs.

6. In the course of their scuba dives and independent dives off New Providence, to the north

and south, our visitors saw no sign of lobster or conch.

Is there a legislated conch-conservation order in place?

7. The visit to Fort Charlotte was interesting, but information and activities related to this historic site are minimal.

Much more could be done here.

6. Clifton Heritage Park entrance had a closed gate, with a sign which said “Closed.”

No sign indicating when said park would be open.

7. Generally, a visitor of 7 days or so, not confined to an all-inclusive beach vacation, would need more activities to experience in New Providence.

LEANDRA ESFAKIS Winton.

March 22, 2018.

Bahamians in need of some ‘good news’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

I would venture to suggest that the majority of ‘right thinking’ Bahamians would wish to see the FNM administration succeed if only for the collective sake of the nation. Of course, partisan politics will always play a role in debates on public policy initiatives and most societal issues. The fact of the matter, however, is that Bahamians are in need of some ‘good news’ for a change.

The FNM came to office on a myriad platform of change and promises of change. We thought that Heaven was about to arrive on Earth upon the return to office of that party. A large majority of Bahamians could not stand another day of governance by the Christie led PLP. That administration was terrible and it has only itself to blame for the devastating electoral loss in May, 2071 The incoming PM, Dr Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney) and the FNM were all over the place seducing the good people of this wonderful nation with what has now turned out to be ‘bogus’ and ‘pie-in-the sky’ fake promises.

They shouted for: accountability; transparency; fiscal reforms; a real Freedom of Information Act; reduction or elimination of VAT on breadbasket and other items. So far, none of these has seen the light of day.

In a few short weeks the FNM would have been back in power for a year. What is it able to actually show in terms of actual performance and good governance? I suggest that the jury, so to speak, is still out on the question of performance but it is clear that this administration is still grappling with the stark reality that it is in the governing seat. The first few months were notable for the high level prosecutions of certain former cabinet ministers and board chairpersons. Those prosecutions are still making their way through the judicial system.

It was pure and unadulterated sensationalism to witness the abject spectacle of seeing former men of political power doing what is commonly referred to as ‘The Bank Lane Shuffle’ I have no doubt that many Bahamians were gleeful and even rejoicing when they saw some of my great friends doing the ignoble shuffle. That is all right, though, because, at the end of the day, as a trained lawyer, that justice will be served.

Governance by sensationalism may well be the modus operandi of the hapless FNM

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net and it’s politically delusional leadership.

The Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis (PLP-Cat Island; Rum Cay & San Salvador) was one of four PLP Members of Parliament to be re-elected during May, 2017.

He was unanimously elected by the new PLP as Leader.

The FNM and the PM fear and respect Brave more than they will ever admit. In Christie, they had a natural poster boy for laziness; political disconnect; arrogance; a complete lack of accountability and transparency. To add even more political baggage, Christie, clearly, in the latter year of his merciful defunct regime, appeared not to care less about what the electorate thought about him or the old PLP. The rest is history.

The FNM has rolled out not a single new investment project and seem to be totally incapable of even completing those left in the pipe line by the Christie government...... not a single one. No less a figure than Minnis declared, boldly, mid last year that the long closed Our Lucaya over in Freeport would be opened for the 2017 winter season.

That has yet to happen and the FNM and the PM hardly ever mention that white elephant any more.

They crowed about possible corruption and misappropriations at the Ministry of Tourism and in particular The Festival Place and The ill-fated Musical Festival which was supposed to be hosted by two lawyers......one connected to the FNM and the other, I believe, to the old PLP. The erstwhile Minister of Tourism, the Hon Dionisio D’Aguilar (FNM-Free Town), the hardest working and most visionary cabinet minister, bar none, has gone dead quiet about campaign allegations of corruption and malfeasance. Not a word and no criminal charges, so far, have been brought by the police. I suspect that none will be pro offered. Government by sensationalism or what?

Now we just witness the political broadside being launched by the hapless FNM and its equally hapless, Adrian Gibson (FNM-Long Island) against the beloved and respected leader of the new PLP, the Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, MP, QC. Some forensic report by Ernest & Young was introduced into the records of the House of Assembly recently that appears to reflect badly on

the Leader of the new PLP. Of course, in my considered view, the so-called forensic report is riddled with inconsistencies; half truths and what appears to me to be an outright and diabolical attempt to smear’his reputation and integrity.

The so-called forensic report went so far as to attached a copy of the purported obituary of the late mother of the Leader as if to suggest that she, the mother, was a shareholder in a company formed within the law firm of Davis & Company.

There is a Mrs Poitier, to my personal knowledge, employed at that law firm for many years. She is a legal secretary and Administrative Assistant to the Leader whenever he is out of government and in private practice. It is routine for legal secretaries and clerks to sign incorporation documents as a nominee shareholder.....one share to Mrs Poitier and there is something sinister about this?

Adrian Gibson should be more concerned with the oil spill at Long Island some months ago. Not a single word. What about the roads up there? What about the airports and investment opportunities? Not a single word but the report and the Chairman are able to suggest something untoward by Brave’s late, dearly beloved mother, who cannot defend herself from the grave! How low will Gibson, Moultrie and the FNM go? Governance by sensationalism and stealth.

Minnis and the FNM are totally devoid of what is known as common sense, politically and economically speaking. They do not, in short, know what the hell they are doing. In devious and bogus attempts to distract the attention of the people from the real issues, the FNM and the PM sprout out all sorts of bull skate and drivel.

We are about to be ‘blacklisted’ by a European financial watchdog group and the DPM is apparently clueless along with the newly minted Financial Secretary, Marlon Johnson, formerly an account representative at BTC and, perhaps, the recently, demoted former Treasurer of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

While Minnis was in Haiti eating and grossly enjoying Haitian bananas, we are on a slippery road to a financial melt down and governance by sensationalism. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr Nassau, March 10, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 23, 2018, PAGE 5

FORENSIC AUDIT ON HEALTH CONTRACTS FROM PAGE ONE

totalling $12,874,117.85 was paid to vendors, leaving a balance of $40,413,994.32 outstanding.

Dr Sands said: “The real question that has to be answered particularly when there seems to be a disconnect between the known fiscal reality of the Public Hospitals Authority and contracts that bind the Public Hospitals Authority outside of the ordinary business of the PHA and which prevents it from carrying out its mandate.

“You have to look critically at the decision making process to be certain that there were appropriate and valid and reasonable basis for the determination and the decisions made and you want to know whether there was anything untoward in that process.”

Asked whether the contracts were binding with no way to free the government from the obligation, he said: “The question is if you are bound to a contract that you are unable to pay or if servicing that contract prevents you from providing an essential service that you are mandated to provide by the Public Hospitals Authority Act, then is it indeed a valid contract?

“If the contract says I must cut my throat or shoot myself in the head, which this basically does then am I bound to do that?”

“Right now we are challenged to provide HIV medications, antiretroviral medications for HIV infected Bahamians. Right now we are challenged with providing reagents for diagnostic tests for sick Bahamians and this

is in large part because funds have had to be expended to make good on commitments that should have never been made,” he continued.

Dr Sands said while there is a Cabinet conclusion giving the nod for the contracts it doe not mean the agreements were legal.

“Again this basically comes down to a question of whether or not these contracts were appropriate and legal. Whether there was any abnormality or illegality involved and that forensic audit means that you’ve got to dot every I and cross every T. Was it done illegally or abnormally?

Construction “This is not a witch hunt. This is ensuring that the interests of the Bahamian public is protected, but if you tell me that I am now obliged to spend and I have used this example repeatedly more than $10m of PHA money for new construction in Cat Island where there are 1,200 people give or take and that means that I don’t have the money available to provide a decent and reasonable emergency room where the entire Bahamas population has to be served, then there is something implicitly and intrinsically wrong with that decision.

“So yes there is a Cabinet conclusion that directed the Public Hospitals Authority, its board and its managing director to do certain things, but that doesn’t mean because the Cabinet directed it to be so that it is legal.”

Of the contracts issued, Dr Sands has previously voiced issues

with those for Cat Island and one proposed facility in Eleuthera.

Earlier this month, Dr Sands accused the former Progressive Liberal Party government of going forward with the $6.6m upgrade to the Smith’s Bay Clinic in Cat Island despite a nearly 40 per cent decline in visits to clinics on that island in the past decade.

Dr Sands at the time at Parliament, insisted the decision did not follow the advice of the ministry’s technical team, and projections show the expensive build-out of the clinic would have served an average five patients per day.

He has also suggested $535,348.77 paid to Carey’s Construction for work on a new clinic at Palmetto Point, Eleuthera will be wasted as the government does not plan to continue work at the existing site.

Carey’s Construction was awarded a contract worth $929,875 under the previous Christie administration for work at the site where the mini-hospital was to be constructed.

However, according to photographs posted to the minister’s Facebook account, the contractor got no further than cutting into an existing hill at Palmetto Point, which created a cleared and smoothed off space presumably to place the clinic.

The facility was to cost a whopping $27m and has been called by the minister “the greatest of travesties” committed by the former government Dr Sands has said the government is considering acquiring an existing building on the island to suit the needs of the community.

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands.

SENIOR DOCTORS HIT BACK AT SANDS OVER ‘NON PERFORMING CLINICIANS’ COMMENTS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A WEEK after junior doctors complained of their substandard terms of service in the public healthcare system, senior doctors did the same yesterday, focusing their ire on Health Minister Dr Duane Sands and his recent talk of “non-performing clinicians”.

The Elizabeth MP has said “time is up” for a “small but visible minority” of clinicians who work “as little as five hours a week or less” yet complain about their annual $60,000 salary.

However, Dr Locksley Munroe, head of the Consultant Physician Staff Association (CPSA), a union representing 130 senior doctors, rejected the idea that doctors work so few hours.

He portrayed Dr Sands’ comments as the latest indignity suffered by doctors who work amid crumbling infrastructure in an underfunded system and who are absent from key discussions about how to improve healthcare in the country.

It is “not the case at all” some consultants work five hours a week, he told reporters at a press conference.

Patient “You would have to show me somebody who is working less than five hours. Unless you are going to show me real evidence that persons are making that input I would totally disbelieve that. If you are speaking of coming in here, checking a patient, taking blood and setting up an IVline, that is not the job of the consultant. The job of the consultant is to guide and direct the care of the patients.

“My phone has been going off the entire morning advising my junior staff which patient to take to the operating theatre; advising somebody about their cat scan and results of their cat scan. The fact that I am not here visible for 20 hours does not mean I am not having an impact on healthcare delivery in the institution.”

“To become a consultant in this institution is not based on non-performance,”

he said, emphasising the considerable academic performance and medical training necessary to reach such a level. “The Bahamian physician is excited to return home, but sadly in many instances they return to a broken system.”

Dr Munroe called Dr Sands’ comments, which were made in the House of Assembly, a “slap in the face,” saying he did not address the issue with senior doctors before speaking

“My phone has been going off the entire morning advising my junior staff which patient to take to the operating theatre; advising somebody about their cat scan and results of their cat scan. The fact that I am not here visible for 20 hours does not mean I am not having an impact on healthcare delivery in the institution.”

Dr Locksley Munroe about it publicly. A speech Dr Sands gave the association last year at the Public Hospital Authority’s (PHA) corporate office contradicts this, however. Dr Munroe did not attend the event, but Dr Sands said yesterday all members were invited to attend the meeting and the speech was put in a CPSA chat group.

Dr Sands told doctors quality of care problems in the public system are compounded by a “vexing and chronic problem of underproductivity by a visible and morale-killing minority of our engaged senior staff… some of whom believe that two or four hours a week is acceptable for the ‘pittance paid.’ Some of these persons may have contributed mightily in the past––but cannot find the public wards in our hospitals.” “...If you are paid to spend twenty hours per week and on call, we expect

twenty hours per week and on call. If you are paid for an additional ten hours of administrative time as a division or department head, we expect that additional time.”

“While I commit to reviewing and embracing the principles and improved remuneration as outlined (in a proposed CPSA industrial agreement), I have no plan to reinforce the lame professional behaviour of a visible minority. If your practice is so entrenched that you cannot immediately and consistently adjust to provide the services that you have agreed you will provide, then simply say so and we will arrange for early retirement or a downgrade of your benefits to reflect your working reality. There are no sacred cows.”

Problem “Solving the problem for the majority will have to include correcting the longneglected problem of the minority who have poisoned public and administrative perception of physicians.”

Nonetheless, Dr Munroe yesterday said Dr Sands has not lived up to their expectations, a view he said was unsurprising. “...When you transition out of being a physician to becoming a politician, your focus is now on everybody,” he said. “You’ve lost contact with the problems that we face as physicians. He is not unique in that manner.

We’ve had many physicians as ministers of health and the habits haven’t really changed. You’ve gone from being a doctor looking after a single patient to being a politician that now has the whole system to deal with.

But they do not seem to have the capacity, the competency to truly address the system at all levels.”

Junior doctors in the Bahamas Doctors Union (BDU) complained last week about caring for private patients without pay when the consultants paid to care for those patients fail to show up.

“That is a reflection of current attitude and practices,” Dr Munroe said in response, adding the practice is what traditionally happens in medicine. “When I was a junior in this hospital in 1982

if Dr Sherman or Dr Nottage or Dr Farrington asked you to do something on their patient, that is actually what you did, you honour your seniors,” he said.

“You may ask (junior doctors) to do something that they might not like and yes there are times when you have to ask them to do things on your patient.

How you resolve that issue, that’s a different story. You may honour them by taking them to dinner, giving them some kind of funds or simply

telling them thank you for what you are doing. Are you going to say I’m a nonperformer if the junior chose to say he’s not here he’s late?

No. “I have something to do.

As a senior person, why would I after 30 plus years be doing the same thing that I did when I was a junior?”

In response to the CPSA yesterday, Dr Sands said: “All Bahamians and particularly people who can least afford it are entitled to good care. While my responsibility

is for every singe person in this country who requires medical attention, I am particularly concerned about those people who have limited options and I want to make sure that person, the uninsured whose only option is the public sector gets healthcare in an environment that is dignified, clean and safe and they are cared for no differently than the very wealthy in this country.

“That’s where we need to take healthcare in this country.”

PAGE 6, Friday, March 23, 2018 FROM PAGE ONE He claimed the company has spent $10 million so far on the project, mostly to nail down the best location.

Almost a month after Oban Energies’ website was wiped of revelations of the dubious past of its management team, he said the new management structure will be revealed in the coming days.

DHUNNA DEFENDS OBAN TO SPLIT GB AUDIENCE He said once people see their “experience in the energy sector,” no fears about their capability will persist.

He hurried away at the conclusion of the event before the press could ask him further questions, however, citing a technical meeting he needed to attend elsewhere on the

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Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

island even though it was nearly 9pm.

Nonetheless, a particular anger for people like Andrea Thompson, a resident there for 45 years, was the potential impact an oil refinery could have on people’s health.

“I am totally upset over what’s happening and I think a lot of people are being spoon-fed stuff they don’t understand,” she said. “All of us are intelligent people.

We can go online and look at things. Pull up oil refineries and health problems. Proven cancer; proven asthma; proven children that are born with birth defects. So don’t tell me there is not going to be smog that is going to be moving across our island.

That is nonsense; it is going to happen.”

Addressing recent controversies involving Oban personnel, she said: “I have the court case from the State of Florida where Mr Krieger was indicted for taking money.

I have the papers from Florida showing that you have been removed from management and you have your address the same as Mr Krieger’s and the new management team so it’s a bunch of malarkey, you’re tricking all these people.”

One man urged stakeholders to recognize East Grand

Bahama residents are not “haphazard people”.

“Treat us like human beings,” he said. “If there is a meeting, give us ample time to know there is a meeting in East Grand Bahama for the people of East Grand Bahama. Everybody coming and make decisions (for us); we need to make our own decisions whether we want it, yes or no; so we say to you, we may support it, but we need more information, more time…”

Before last year’s election, Dr Minnis pledged to consult residents before such projects are pushed. Mr Dhunna said yesterday there was an “intent and a purpose” behind the lack of consultation with East Grand Bahama residents.

“I’m aware we have not discussed this project in great detail with the community,” he said. “I’m not shying away from that. There was an intent and a purpose behind it. We didn’t want to come here and discuss a project that was not tangible and real and we were not committed to. We wanted to ensure we had first and foremost a commitment from the government and from our shareholders.”

However, Justin Lewis, Bahamas Initiative Manager for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust,

THE TRIBUNE said he is concerned about the effect the proposed location of the project will have on bonefish and spawning sites.

“Why was there a Heads of Agreement signed prior to a proper EIA in place?” he asked as he criticised provisions in the agreement that says the ceiling on fines the government could impose on the company is $3.5 million. “$3.5 million can’t fix anything. Just the bonefish industry in itself contributes in excess of $141 million annually.

“It’s sustainable, renewable, natural resources and the most important resources in the Bahamas is the ocean.

“If we don’t have the ocean we don’t have anything,” he said.

Mr Dhunna said his organization was “categorically informed by both governments” that for an EIA to be performed and completed consultation was needed with the BEST commission.

“The BEST commission was not permitted to meet with us or refused to meet with us until a Heads of Agreement was signed, so we followed a process that was dictated to us by the consultants that we have,” he said.

“The key point is this project will not proceed until an EIA is done, the mitigation is put in place and an

independent body appointed by a government you’ve elected determines this is safe to proceed with.”

A breast cancer survivor named Ingrid said while residents would welcome a project that produces jobs, the process so far has been questionable.

“How have we gotten to this point that you, Mr Satpal, as a foreigner comes here and has to introduce this project and we East Enders know nothing about it?

“I just think it’s disrespectful, it’s disgraceful and it needs to be addressed. We are human beings. Treat us as such. That’s all we ask.”

Among the various residents who voiced unquestioned support for the project was Phillip Thompson Jr, a young man who said he spoke on behalf of young people in the area. He said people are afraid only because of the bad publicity the project has received.

Another supporter chided people for caring more for “trees” than the lives of people.

While most residents who spoke at last night’s meeting were critical of the project and the process so far, the speakers in support of the project drew noticeable applause.

DAVIS ASKS: IS KRIEGER STILL AROUND OBAN?

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

DOCUMENTS filled in Florida last week show Peter Krieger is still a part of Oban Energies’ team, despite Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis saying in the House of Assembly on Tuesday that he resigned on March 1, Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis claimed yesterday.

Mr Davis based this on documents which circulated on social media on Tuesday indicating Oban Energies President Satal Dhunna and Mr Krieger have been removed as managers while “Oban Energies Management,” a company, was added as manager on registration files.

Mr Davis called on Dr Minnis to resign, saying he has deceived people. He was speaking at the Sadie Curtis Primary School during a PLP regional meeting.

He said: “In the articles of Amendment to the Articles of the Organisation of

Oban Energies reg“There was no istered document official resignation,” #L1600011652 filed he said in response on March 12, 2018 to questions from a at 12.41pm by the resident. “There was Secretary of State no resignation letter Tallahassee, Florida, from me. The situathe same address, tion is as a corporate 3804 PGA Blvd. entity moves into Palm Beach Gara critical stage we dens Florida 33410 OPPOSITION needed to appoint is given for both Mr Leader Philip more managers, manPeter Krieger, Mr ‘Brave’ Davis. agers with the depth Satpal Dhunna and of experience in the Oban Energies Management. energy sector for example. So More importantly all future the intent of the company was correspondence in relation to always from the outset under Oban Energies was to be sent the previous government to to Peter Krieger. move the management of “If you are removed from a Oban Energies into Oban company, you wouldn’t expect Management LLC. The them to be corresponding organization was incorpowith you anymore, would rated approximately twelve you? But who are they to con- months ago and the idea was tact? The same Peter Krieger. that the organization would So where has he gone? If the then govern the operations registry department in Florida of Oban Energies of which I is required to contact anyone am appointed still, officially about this company, they are as the president of that comto contact Krieger. Why if he pany. I have a document that resigned or had no further belongs to the Attorney Gendealing with Oban he remains eral. They’ll all been made the contact person for Oban? available at their discretion.”

We fool eh? From this docuIn his questions last night, ment supplied by the State of Mr Davis said he has not been Florida, Mr Peter Krieger did able to determine from his sign Articles of Amendment search of Florida’s registry to Articles of Organisation who the beneficial owners of of Oban on the 9th of March, Oban Energies are.

2018.”

“I don’t see the name K To add to the confu- Family Irrevocable Trust,” sion the document which he said, referring to the trust appeared to show Dhunna Dr Minnis said owns the had been removed from the company.

Oban management team Mr Krieger’s role in the seems meaningless given his company came under fire appearance last night as the when it was revealed he was company’s front man at a accused of misappropriating town hall meeting in Grand investor funds and subseBahama. quently made settlement.

At the meeting Mr Dhunna It was later revealed he clarified his position with pleaded guilty to the firstrespect to the company, degree felony of organised having identified in the fraud in 2006. aforementioned registration Last night Mr Davis file as being removed from accused Dr Minnis of “fabrimanagement. cating untruths”.

“He announced that Mr Peter Krieger of Oban Energies LLC had resigned from the company effective March 9, 2018. He failed to show any evidence to the same,” he said.

“The prime minister is lost!

He is out to lunch! He has entangled his entire government in a weave of deception and lies. Prime Minister Minnis has failed to do his due diligence! He witnessed fraud in the full glare of the press. He has reduced the Office of the Prime Minister into a web of lies, deceits and deceptions. He has deceived the country! He has betrayed my beloved people of Grand Bahama. And I submit the Minnis government has now engulfed itself in a web of corruption and must do the honourable thing and resign!

Resign! Resign! Resign!”

Mr Davis said: “My favourite question remains: Who is the mystery man and real owners of Oban Energies?

“Why was it necessary to proceed with Heads of Agreement without an EIA study in the area, which sits on one of the most pristine ecological environments in the community of Grand Bahama?”

“Where is the funding for the proposed refinery?”

“How many acres is to be given away? Whose land is it?”

He also knocked government ministers for their silence. “The Environment Minister silence is deafening,” he said. “The Attorney General is mute. Peter Turnquest is lost for words even though it is his constituency to which the development is planned. And the rest of the shameless bunch can’t find a microphone to discuss the crisis now engulfing the FNM government.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 23, 2018, PAGE 7

Questions raised over shanty town census FROM PAGE ONE

ALFAIRS Agregory Higgs

LAWYERS FILE WRIT TO FREE LIMBO INMATE FROM PAGE ONE

“While we’re happy that there is a date set,” Mr Hall continued, “the sad part about it is every day spent in unlawful custody is difficult for affairs and that is regrettable.”

Mr Hall and Mr Higgs’ sister Candace Mills filed writs of habeas corpus on his behalf on Monday, alleging Mr Higgs’ constitutional rights are being violated every day he remains in detention.

Mr Higgs was born to Turks Islander Linda Ellen Higgs and a Bahamian man on December 2, 1975.

His father is not listed on his birth certificate; however, the Tribune has spoken with Mr Higgs’ father and withheld his name due to his profession.

Mr Higgs’ family claims he has been denied his medication since he was arrested by police for disorderly behaviour in 2015 and has been imprisoned ever since without being charged.

Relatives fear his incarceration has taken an “irreversible physical and mental toll on him”.

On Wednesday, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes revealed 11 teams were being trained ahead of a census exercise in all 11 shanty towns spread across the capital. It is expected to begin tomorrow.

He said the intention was for the government to glean an understanding of the demographics involved as it moves to clean up the capital and more broadly the country.

“Not knocking the idea, but I don’t think it make sense to jump in there this week without doing any sort of public education campaign,” Mr Georges said. “I think this will be a fruitless exercise, and a waste of resources if it’s not done in conjunction or collaboration with the Haitian community itself then it will fail.

“Unless they are gonna go on some law of average, there is no way they would get any amount of information close to what they are looking for and help them make determinations moving forward.”

He continued: “You doing this in the height of the immigration talks going around town, people are going to be running hiding, and even if you get someone to talk to you I doubt it will be accurate.

You need a public education campaign to help to get those individuals to understand why

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes said 11 teams were being trained ahead of the census exercise in all 11 shanty towns in the capital. it’s important to have a census, so they can deal with shanty towns.

“No education, no campaign, you can’t just jump up; don’t just launch it, train people - collaborate with persons known and already trusted in the Haitian community, join forces with them and have an educational campaign through churches and activities in those communities.

“Talk to the people and sensitise them.”

Mr Foulkes said the purpose of the survey is to ascertain exactly how many residents are in each shanty town, their ages, how many are in school, how

many are working and whether there are any disability issues.

These kinds of questions among others will make up the census to enable to government to execute its plan to eradicate shanty towns in the best way.

Meeting For his part, Dr Paul Charles said his last meeting with government officials a month ago focused on accommodations for shanty town residents when the government began its work in removing them.

He said: “We were at a meeting about a month ago and the

government said they were going to provide some place for people before they do anything.

That’s the last thing I knew last month.

“This news of a census is new to me. I know that they said they were coming with a solution to shanty towns. It’s a good thing, but at the same time what about the people who live there?

“Its success would be based on the support of Haitian pastors and at the same time in order for the Haitian pastors to get on board we need at first for the government to speak with us.”

The government’s shanty town committee, has toured many of the shanty towns in The Bahamas and has narrowed down who the Bahamian landowners are.

The government, Mr Foulkes said, intends to meet with these people to get a full understanding of the shanty town issue.

While there is no clear indication at this point when the exercise will be completed in New Providence, the minister said census officials will focus their attention on the Family Islands when this is done.

This comes after the committee last Sunday toured the Farm Lands, Sand Banks, the Mud and Pigeon Peas shanty towns in Abaco where they got a sobering picture of the urgent need to overhaul these areas.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES clubs@tribunemedia.net VACANCY NOTICE NEWS EDITOR Cable Bahamas Limited is seeking to employ an experienced News Editor. The successful candidate must have experience in Media and Editing and the ability to collaborate effectively with the Media team.

NEW CLUB AND MEMBERS FOR KIWANIS

KIWANIS Sunshine Division 22 held its 2nd Division Council meeting in George Town, Exuma recently which saw the installation and induction of a new club and members into the Kiwanis Club of Exuma.

Pictured from left are: Kiwanis Club of New Providence Sponsor and club Secretary L. Sandra Butler, President Merilyn Johnson, District Trustee Edwin Thompson, President Exuma Club Almeta Ward, Lieutenant Governor Garnell Kemp and newly-elected District Trustee-Elect Henry Gibson.

EARLYACT AND ROTARIANS DONATE $700 TO CANCER SOCIETY

JOB SUMMARY The News Editor will be responsible for providing technical assistance with all aspects of the internal and external operations of OurTV -The Community Channel and all OurTV in-house productions with specific responsibility as a News Editor.

JOB DESCRIPTION • • • • • •

• • •

Responsible for the day to day editing requirements relative to OurTV news process; Providing technical support to OurTV news process; Assisting with the production and editing of materials needed for the community channel as deemed by supervisor; Assisting with camera operations where required; Providing production assistance on in-studio and field productions; Providing assistance with the general operation and maintenance of OurTV’ s production studios, edit suites and field equipment; Providing technical support for OurTV personnel including assisting with the Cable Cares Foundation and Corporate Media; Assisting with any and all aspects of the production process as related to the production original OurTV programming; Performing all other related tasks of OurTV operations (including directing, producing, editing, shooting, writing, lighting and audio) as assigned by Management.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED •

ON WEDNESDAY 14th March, the EarlyAct Club of Eva Hilton Primary School invited their sponsor club, the Rotary Club of West Nassau (RCWN), to their bi-weekly meeting for a special presentation to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. The club had raised funds through contributions from students and

the general public, which it was donating to the Cancer Society.

EarlyAct President PaKeisha Griffin shared with the club how she came up with the idea and the efforts that the members made to collect coins over the course of several weeks.

All told, the club raised $350 for the cause. RCWN,

seeing their dedication and hard work, agreed to match the contribution, making the donation to the Cancer Society a total of $700.

On hand for the presentation were President of RCWN Chris Dorsett, Founder of the Cancer Society Susan Roberts and Principal of Eva Hilton Primary Jermaine Butler.

ANGLICAN DIOCESE TO HOLD PLACING OF STONES SERVICE THE Anglican Diocese will hold the Second Service of Blessing and Placement of Memorial/Thanksgiving Stones on Saturday at 11am. The event will take place at the Mt Olivet Retreat at Bishop’s Lodge, St Anne’s Close, Fox Hill.

The Rt. Rev’d. Laish Z. Boyd, Sr. will conduct the service and bless the new

Memorial/Thanksgiving stones. Similar to the first service, the stones, donated by family members, will be placed in designated spots along the walkway of the Prayer Grotto at the Retreat Centre.

Family members who have donated stones are asked to be in place by 10.45am.

•

• • • • • • • • • • •

Post-secondary degree or certification in video production or related field; Computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of MAC Environments, Final Cut Pro 7 and 10, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential; Experience in ENG and or an EFP Production Environment; Strong Interpersonal skills to effectively work with team members within the departments and throughout the company; Reliability, punctuality and good interpersonal skills are essential; Ability to work independently with limited supervision; Ability to manage deadlines and high stress situations; Accuracy, neatness and efficiency; Effective communication skills, both oral and written; Excellent leadership skills; Physical dexterity required; Must be flexible to work in a dynamic environment to meet the needs of the organization; Demonstrate a high level of integrity and commitment to service.

Qualified applicants should submit Resumes on or before Wednesday, March 28, 2018, to the Director of Human Resources, PO BOX CB-13050, Nassau, Bahamas or send electronically with Ref: News Editor to humanresources@cablebahamas.com.

PAGE 8, Friday, March 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Doubts and questions over Oban Energies deal T

HIS week, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis finally (sort of) addressed his government’s “missteps” with respect to the Oban deal, and our Deputy PM, K Peter Turnquest assured Bahamians the country would be off the European Union’s blacklist by May “at the latest.”

Missteps and False Steps The dictionary actually defines a misstep as “an unwise, miscalculated, or blundering act or decision.”

Blunder sounds bad, misstep sounds better.

It’s no wonder our Prime Minister chose the more benign sounding word to describe the colossal mess up of a deal with Oban that has played out in the media these past few weeks.

In parliament this week, Dr. Minnis promised Bahamians that his administration “will do a more comprehensive review of this matter.”

We also learned that the beneficial owners of Oban Energies is one ‘K Family Irrevocable Trust,’ though the PM didn’t give details on the individuals behind the trust.

He claimed that Oban’s now resigned non-executive chairman, Peter Krieger, has no beneficial interest in the K Family Irrevocable Trust.

Still, The Tribune reported that Krieger is the husband of the granddaughter of one of the beneficial owners of Oban Energies.

So where does this leave The Oban deal? I wish I knew.

There are still doubts and many questions surrounding the other “characters” in Oban Energies.

Plus, Dr. Minnis still did not address proof of funding.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks in the House of Assembly.

And we still have not received an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Sometimes when we find ourselves in places we don’t want to be, consorting with people we don’t want to be around, it’s good to go back to where we started.

“Yesterday I found myself glancing over my copy of the Free National Movement’s 2017 Manifesto to remind myself of what promises the now governing party made back when they were knocking on doors and ‘begging’ for ‘a chance.’”

Yesterday I found myself glancing over my copy of the Free National Movement’s 2017 Manifesto to remind myself of what promises the now governing party made back when they were knocking on doors and ‘begging’ for ‘a chance.’

Among the many pledges the FNM made concerning Grand Bahama were the following: Focus on the development of Freeport as an offshore technology hub similar to Silicon Valley.

Establish a marine research facility in Grand Bahama.

Promote Grand Bahama as an eco-tourism sanctuary.

Encourage and facilitate the development of renewable energy on Grand Bahama.

Concerning energy in general, the FNM Manifesto states, “Recognizing the importance of a robust Energy Sector to the future development of our economy and pristine environment, the FNM will ignite a comprehensive energy revolution designed to ensure reliability and reduce costs to the consumer, while simultaneously preserving our environment.”

The Manifesto goes on to read, “The goal is to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by aggressively utilizing renewable energy including solar, wind, wave, LNG, Methane, waste-to-energy and bio-diesel.”

Sounds good, right?

It really sounded like the FNM recognized that the world is moving towards a cleaner, greener future.

It really sounded like the FNM wanted the country - low-lying, climate change affected islands and all - to move toward that global future that focuses less on fossil fuels and more on renewables.

Yet, here we are, being “hold in da dance” with a 45-year lease on another fossil fuel project.

With Oban Energies.

A company which, based on numerous accounts, couldn’t dare dream of “setting up shop” in our neighbours to the north.

But luckily for them, they have the Minnis administration to fall back on.

And what do Bahamians have?

A “promise” of jobs in Grand Bahama with no noticeable thought to that island’s “pristine environment.”

I’m tempted to get Biblical and talk about Jacob and Esau and selling of one’s birthright for that infamous bowl of soup.

Instead, I’ll just ponder what my children (and all Bahamian children) will inherit 45 years from now.

Silicon Valley sounded good, old dead dinosaur soup...not so much.

My wife, a born and bred Grand Bahamian who grew up in the era of BORCO and Syntex and many school

closings because of the fumes and “odours” they emitted put it this way; “Let’s hope the FNM comes to its senses before it’s too late.”

Let’s hope.

What Had Happened Was In a story in yesterday’s Tribune, by Tribune Business Editor Neil Hartnell, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said the Government “trusts” the European Union (EU) will remove the Bahamas from its ‘blacklist’

by May 2018 at “the latest”.

“Loon jokes,” I say.

The DPM’s statement equates to, asking that person who’s had “dat lil ting” for you, since the old millennium for the aforementioned ‘lil ting’ and they give you a line like this: “Yeah General, you straight. As soon as I get paid at the end of the month, I got you.”

Don’t hold your breath.

Trust in God, not man!

Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Turnquest is playing the hand he was dealt.

The Minister of Finance portfolio was dumped on him by the PM, Dr. Hubert Minnis, (who unlike his predecessors Mr. Pindling, Mr. Ingraham and Mr. Christie) wanted no part of it.

Another dubious first by our PM and this administration.

Nonetheless, Turnquest also said he and Brent Symonette, the Minister of Financial Services, left Brussels last week understanding they met all necessary requirements to demonstrate The Bahamas’ compliance with the EU’s anti-tax avoidance drive.

Seriously?

You “trust,” they will delist the Bahamas? That’s all you came back with? Promises? Nothing concrete, no assurances of delisting the Bahamas by the EU in writing, with dates and time?

Again, don’t hold your breath. As the saying goes, “dis ga be long.”

There’s no official, time table for delisting the Bahamas, so we are at the EU’s mercy, until they decide to act.

No matter how the DPM, tries to sugar coat it.

Also, another set of EU requirements, that need to be completed by December 2018 looms.

I strongly suggest that Mr. Turnquest ensures that if this is the direction we are “forced” to go, all requirements are complete, with all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed.

(And proper signatures, of course.)

Bahamian taxpayers can’t afford another expensive trip to Brussels, for you to explain “what had happened,” next time.

THE TRIBUNE

MITCHELL HITS OUT OVER MANAGEMENT OF THE FOX HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

million is still owed for the Centre.

In his letter, Mr Mitchell reiterated that the Centre PROGRESSIVE Lib- is “certainly free and clear” eral Party Chairman Fred and has “no mortgage”.

Mitchell criticised the man“It is a gift to the people agement of the Fox Hill of Fox Hill who after their Community Centre in an contributions to this society open letter to his former deserve a magnificent gift. constituents on Wednesday.

Fox Hill is still the reposiIn the letter, the former tory of African culture in area MP claims the Centre our country.” has been without electricMr Mitchell noted that it ity for four months and also is an MP’s responsibility to referred to a leasing dispute assist constituents. with the property.

He added: “You do not “The Government I am complain about what others advised has reneged on have not done; you try and its original agreedo for yourself. ment to conduct “You leave a certain of its social legacy for yourself. programmes on I tried to do that. anti-violence in the The Fox Hill Comfacility,” the letter munity Centre is a read. proud legacy to that “The Governeffort on my part, ment had agreed without equal.” that they would “Young, poor pay the utility black boys and girls bills, the manage- FRED Mitchell have a facility that ment and staff. is theirs and their The Government has only elders have the responsibilpartially fulfilled those ity to ensure that it remains commitments.” independent and is not Mr Mitchell, who usurped by politicians who referred to himself as the are ‘begrudgeful’ and lack “PLP Caretaker for the vision.”

Fox Hill”, reaffirmed the Mr Mitchell also emphacentre was a private facility sized that if he were the Fox and not for profit corpora- Hill MP, the Centre’s power tion, with an independent would not have ever been Board of Directors. disconnected and certainly He suggested if the gov- not off for four months. ernment has reneged on He continued: “The fact commitments to lease space that the power is not back of specific programmes, on in the face of a clear Govthen the board could sever ernment commitment to pay ties with the government. for the power, speaks volMr Mitchell seemed umes about representation, to be referring to reports without the PLP having to

by Deputy Prime Min- say one word about anyister Peter Turnquest thing these people have earlier this month that the said in the House of former PLP government Assembly. “handcuffed” the current “The facts speak for administration by enter- themselves.” ing into multi-million dollar “My warmest regards to leases for properties that the people of Fox Hill and have never been used. especially to the little chilMr Turnquest cited the dren for whom the facility Fox Hill Community Centre was built.” among these, saying in the “Your government now six months to end-Decem- the FNM may despise you ber 2017; the government but that building - the Fox paid $3.8 million in out- Hill Community Centre - is standing bills for the Centre. evidence that the PLP loved The Finance minister you and we continue to do added an additional $11.4 so.”

Friday, March 23, 2018, PAGE 9

BAHAMAS REJECTS UN HUMAN RIGHTS PROPOSALS DUE TO ‘CHRISTIAN VALUES’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas, in its United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) review last January, strongly rejected proposals to address discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity as they were seen as being against the country’s respect for Christian values.

In a report submitted by the UNHRC’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group session on the Bahamas, observers noted the Bahamian delegation led by Attorney General Senator Carl Bethel opposed dozens of the 141 recommendations put forth by the group.

The report noted: “Many delegations recommended that the Bahamas strengthen its efforts to end discrimination against women and on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to promote gender equality amongst others by ascending to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.”

The report also indicated that several states recommended amending the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act and criminalising marital rape and the introduction of laws that provide for redress to people subject to discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It was at this point Senator Bethel committed the country to major legislative benchmarks on the issue of marital rape and migrant rights as he defended the country’s performance on human rights obligations.

However, he rejected calls for more stringent handling of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel.

According to the body, Mr Bethel went to great lengths to highlight the progress the Bahamas has made since the last UPR in 2013.

The group said Mr Bethel emphasised the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the upcoming ratification of Convention against Torture, successful cooperation with United Nations special procedures and the creation of a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI).

The report added that Mr Bethel reassured the audience the Bahamas’ constitution guarantees freedom of expression and opinions, and human rights defenders are accorded full respect with any restrictions.

The report also highlighted the delegation’s rejection of recommendations to establish a moratorium with a view to abolishing the death penalty.

During debate on the issue, the report said most delegations in attendance called for a moratorium that would have immediately halted all sentences and executions, with a view towards abolition of the death penalty, as well as ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Commenting states also recommended the government carry out a broad awareness campaign, disseminating different alternatives to the death penalty.

Several of these states reportedly also expressed concern with regard to cases of torture and recommended ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment In response, the report said Mr Bethel asserted the Bahamas would have to maintain its principled position on the retention of the death penalty and

continue to recognise the lawfulness of the death penalty as a punishment for the crimes of murder and treason.

Additionally, the UPR’s working group recommended changes be made to the use of corporal punishment, which it noted was still allowed in elementary, secondary and senior schools.

The Bahamas was one of 14 countries reviewed during UNHRC’s UPR Working Group session in Geneva.

The review marked the third time in ten years the Bahamas was examined by the organisation.

On the rights of migrants and refugees, the report added: “Several delegations recommended strengthening the national framework for the protection of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and victims of trafficking, with appropriate assistance from the international community.”

To that end, the report claimed some of the states in attendance recommended that the Bahamas adopt a national action plan focused on victims of trafficking.

Lastly, the report said several delegations recommended the Bahamas enhance its efforts to strengthen the effective implementation and enforcement of the country’s labour laws, and ratify and implement the ILO’s Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention 1930.

VACANCY NOTICE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE Cable Bahamas Limited is seeking to employ an experienced Production Associate. The successful candidate must have experience in Media and Camera work and the ability to collaborate effectively with the Media team.

JOB SUMMARY The Production Associate will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of work related to the internal and external technical operations of OurTV. JOB DESCRIPTION • • • • • • • •

• •

Responsible for the electronic news gathering function as it relates to OurTV, inclusive of but not limited to Primary Camerawork, ENG Field producing and Editing; Liaising with our strategic news partner for the purposes of gathering news and the technical production of the same; Studio and field camera operation; General IT Support for the OurTV Department. This includes troubleshooting and software support where necessary; Maintenance of the quality standards for broadcast on internal and external productions; Liaising with the Technical Manager on all technical aspects as related to the operation of the Community Channel; Liaising with the Administrative Producer and Executive Producer as related to the production needs of the Community Channel; Operation of OurTV programming which includes directing, producing, editing, shooting, writing, lighting and audio as deemed by your immediate supervisor; Submission of daily production reports to your supervisor; Perform allother media related task as assigned by management.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED •

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Post-secondary degree or certification in video production or related field; Computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of MAC Environments, Final Cut Pro 7 and 10, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential; Experience in ENG and or an EFP Production Environment; Strong Interpersonal skills to effectively work with team members within the departments and throughout the company; Reliability, punctuality and good interpersonal skills are essential; Ability to work independently with limited supervision; Ability to manage deadlines and high stress situations; Accuracy, neatness and efficiency; Effective communication skills, both oral and written; Excellent leadership skills; Physical dexterity required; Must be flexible to work in a dynamic environment to meet the needs of the organization; Demonstrate a high level of integrity and commitment to service.

Qualified applicants should submit Resumes on or before Wednesday, March 28, 2018, to the Director of Human Resources, P.O. BOX CB-13050, Nassau, Bahamas or send electronically with Ref: Production Associate to humanresources@cablebahamas.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 23, 2018, PAGE 11

FATHER AND TWO SONS CHARGED AFTER GB POLICE OPERATION

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 50-YEAR-OLD man and his two sons were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations they were found in possession of over $1m in criminal proceeds following a major police operation in Grand Bahama earlier this week.

Hank Weech and his sons, 26-year-old Brandon and 21-year-old Brad Weech, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with two counts each of possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

They were three of four individuals to be arraigned in connection with the seizure of over $1m in cash, over $45,000 worth of marijuana and $20,000 of hashish following a massive operation conducted by local and International law enforcement officials in the nation’s second city on Monday.

The fourth individual, 38-year-old Marvin Clarke, of Canaby Terrace, was arraigned on seven firearm and/or ammunition related charges stemming from the same operation.

HANK Weech

BRANDON Weech

Concerning the three Weechs, it is alleged that on March 19, at Freeport, Grand Bahama, and being concerned together, they were all found in possession of $1,351,162 cash in US currency, knowing or having reasonable grounds to suspect that the said $1m plus in whole or in part directly or indirectly represented their or another person’s proceeds of criminal conduct.

It is also alleged that on the same date, and being concerned together and with others, the Hampshire Drive, South Bahamia residents were found in possession of a quantity of marijuana with intent to supply those drugs to another.

According to reports, shortly after midnight on the alleged date in question, officers from both the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Rapid Response Unit

BRAD Weech

(RRU), while armed with a search warrant went to a residence on Hampshire Drive, South Bahama and discovered over $1m in US currency inside that residence. No arrests were made in that matter.

In a second incident, shortly after 3am on the same date, DEU and RRU officers, while armed with a search warrant, went to an apartment on Hampshire Drive, South Bahamia and discovered hidden in the ceiling, a duffle bag containing a large quantity of suspected marijuana and suspected hashish.

Two adult Bahamian males were subsequently arrested and taken into custody. The estimated weight of the marijuana seized was 45.3 pounds with a street value of $45,000, while the weight of the hashish seized was 9.80 pounds with a street value of $20,000.

Each of the Weech family plead not guilty to the charges, and their matter was adjourned to June 20th for trial.

However, the attorney for the three noted that Hank Weech suffers from a myriad of health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension.

The deputy chief magistrate noted the attorney’s concerns, and informed her of the presence of qualified medical personnel at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).

The three were subsequently remanded to that facility to await their trial.

However, they have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Clarke, meanwhile, was arraigned on fours counts of possession of an unlicenced firearm, two counts of possession of ammunition, and one count of possession of ammunition with intent to supply.

Concerning the unlicenced firearm charges, it is alleged he was found with a black Austria Glock 17 pistol; a black and tan XD Springfield .45 pistol; a silver Smith & Wesson revolver; and one extended 9mm magazine clip on March 20.

Concerning the ammunition charges, it is alleged he was found in possession of 13 live .45mm ammunition and five .45 hollow-point bullets on the same date.

He is also alleged to have been found in possession of 36 live, 9mm ammunition on the same date.

Clarke plead not guilty to all of the charges. His matter was adjourned to April 26 for trial. Bail was denied and he was remanded to the BDCS in the interim.

He has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail, however.

Fresh Prepared, In-store, Daily.

DEAL

NEW ZEALAND MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO OVERSTAYING

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A NEW Zealand national was arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal landing and overstaying.

James Anthony Genet, 58, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith in Court Two. It is alleged that on March 13, Genet was found at a local hotel in Freeport after the expiration of a onemonth stay granted to him on January 19, 2018 by an

HAITIAN national Dunerve St Girat and New Zealander James Anthony Genet, charged and convicted in the Freeport Magistrates Court with illegal landing and overstaying respectively. immigration officer. His stay had expired on February 18.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine or serve two months imprisonment.

Also appearing before magistrate Smith was Dunerve St Girat, 32, of Haiti, who was charged with illegal landing.

According to the particulars, the accused was found in

Freeport having landed from a place from outside of The Bahamas without the leave of an immigration officer.

St Girat pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a $300 fine or serve two months imprisonment. He paid the fine and was flown to New Providence, where he will be detained at the Detention Centre to await deportation to Haiti.

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